Jurassic-Cretaceous 

Discovered in Russia

What is Pyritized Ammonite?

Pyritized ammonites are fossilized ammonites in which the original organic material and shell have been replaced by pyrite, a mineral also known as iron sulfide (FeS₂). This type of fossilization preserves the detailed morphology of the ammonite, providing a valuable and often strikingly beautiful record of these ancient marine cephalopods. The pyritization process occurs under specific geochemical conditions and offers significant insights into the fossilization process and the paleoenvironment.

The pyritization of ammonites involves several steps, influenced by the geochemical conditions of the sediment in which they were buried:

1. Anoxic Conditions: Pyritization typically occurs in anoxic (oxygen-depleted) environments, such as deep-sea sediments or stagnant basins. These conditions slow the decomposition of organic matter and create a reducing environment conducive to pyrite formation.

2. Presence of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria: Sulfate-reducing bacteria play a crucial role in the pyritization process. These bacteria use sulfate (SO₄²⁻) as an electron acceptor, producing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) as a byproduct. The hydrogen sulfide reacts with iron in the sediment to form iron sulfides, including pyrite.

3. Availability of Iron: The presence of iron in the surrounding sediment is essential for pyritization. Iron can come from various sources, including the breakdown of iron-bearing minerals or the influx of iron-rich waters.

4. Replacement Process: As the conditions become favorable, pyrite begins to precipitate and replace the organic material and shell structure of the ammonite. This replacement can preserve fine details of the shell, including the suture lines and external ornamentation.

A bit about ammonites: 

Ammonites lived during the periods of Earth history known as the Jurassic and Cretaceous. Together, these represent a time interval of about 140 million years. The Jurassic Period began about 201 million years ago and the Cretaceous Period ended about 66 million years ago.

Ammonites are one of the most common fossils that exist today. Before hitting extinction along with the dinosaurs, the squid-like creatures roamed the oceans in schools, using an organ called a siphuncle to jet through the water. Their remains are simply beautiful and a cornerstone of any nautical or fossil collection.

Its name comes from the Ancient Egyptian God, Amun, who was often depicted wearing ram horns. The spiral shape of the fossil is reminiscent of those horns, hence the name. In Ancient Greece, Ammonite was thought to possess the power of Zeus. All throughout history, humans have been captivated by these beautiful fossils and enraptured by their unique spiral pattern. Today, we here at Paxton gate are still enchanted by these wonders of nature.  

Ammonites went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. This mass extinction event, likely caused by a combination of asteroid impact and volcanic activity, led to significant changes in Earth's climate and ecosystems, wiping out a large proportion of marine and terrestrial life.

According to metaphysics: All fossils are thought to support transformation and change. They are believed to assist you in moving from the old to the new and be receptive to the fresh, innovative forces. Ammonites in particular have a few different meanings depending on the coloration. They have an incredibly diverse coloration, with brown and black being the primary energies emanating from this fossil. Brown is often linked to grounding and stability, while black represents protection and transformation. 

All minerals and fossils vary slightly in size and shape. You will receive a high quality specimen of the selected item but not the exact one pictured. All minerals, gems, stones and fossils are guaranteed to be top quality; sourced from ethical vendors around the world.